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By Mariia Horodyska and Olena Oliynyk (Liashenko)
Rape and sexual violence are used as a military startegy by the Russian army not only in the occupied Ukrainian villages and cities, but also in Russian captivity. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights interviewed 60 Ukrainian male prisoners of war. According to the report, 39 out of 60 prisoners were subjects to sexual violence during captivity, “including attempted rape, threats of rape and castration, beatings or the administration of electric shocks to genitals, and repeated forced nudity. — UN report on Ukraine.
It is not only captured Ukrainian soldiers that are subjected to such inhumane treatment in Russian detention facilities. Russian forces illegally detain Ukrainian civilians in the occupied territories. Many of them are women. While in captivity, they are at high risk of rape and sexual violence and other mistreatments. Recently, we published an article about war crimes committed by the Soviet Army—including the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war—and highlighted that the Russian Army is committing similar crimes in its war against Ukraine.
Learn more about Ukrainian women who are speaking out about the conflict-related violence. (NYT article)
As of December 2024, 301 Ukrainian civilian women were detained by Russia. According to Olha Skrypnyk, head of the Crimean Human Rights Group (CHRG), real numbers are much higher:
“These are not the final figures; there are many more women in Russian captivity. It is very difficult to confirm this because Russia refuses to provide information about civilians.” — (Kyiv Independent)
A Ukrainian NGO Numo, Sestry! has gathered information about 47 Ukrainian women who were illegally detained and are now being held in Russian captivity. Their intent is to show that these women are not just statistics- there’s a person and a life story behind each single number.
Learn about 47 Ukrainian women illegally detained by Russia
“This wasn’t just a demonstration. It was the voice of each and every one of us. The voice of those still imprisoned by Russia, and of those waiting for Ukraine to return to the temporarily occupied territories.
We spoke out about what’s still being silenced—about violence, torture, women’s resilience, and the injustice that must not be ignored” — statement posted on the Numo, sestry!NGO’s Facebook page.
Today, on June 19, Numo, Sestry! organized a demonstration in Kyiv to draw attention to the heightened risk of conflict-related sexual violence faced by women in Russian detention and to advocate for their return.
“At least 2,000 civilian women are currently being held in Russian captivity. Each one of them is our sister. Each one is our shared pain. We must tell the world what is happening inside Russia’s torture chambers. That’s why today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we are drawing attention to those suffering brutal torture, sexual violence, and the trauma of being stripped of their freedom,” said Lyudmyla Huseinova, head of the “Let’s Go, Sisters!” initiative.
As people marched through the streets of Ukraine’s capital to raise awareness, let us join them in solidarity. Wherever you are in the world today, take a moment to reflect or pray. Educate yourself about the effects of war on some of the most vulnerable groups, and advocate for Ukraine and its people - in your communities, constituencies, social media.
Conflict-related violence thrives in silence. Let’s speak up against it together!